How to Make a Collins Cocktail, But Better

According to Eben Klemm, The Knickerbocker’s resident cocktail curator, New Yorkers tend to avoid collins cocktails. “Whether it’s because they seem too simple, collins aren’t drunk enough,” he explains. And that’s a shame, “especially in the summertime,” adds Klemm. Why? Because the drink, a staple of Mid-century Midtown, is a delightfully refreshing blend that’s perfect for enjoying on a warm day. It’s also got multiple variations, which means it’s adaptable to individual tastes and preferences. Two of the most popular styles include the John Collins, made with dry gin or whisky, and the Tom Collins, made exclusively with gin. This summer, Klemm’s combined the two (and added some oomph to the simple drink) in his “Rake, Shovel, Hoe” cocktail.

Here’s how to make a collins cocktail as you’ve never seen it.

Rake, Shovel, Hoe: How to make a collins cocktail

Ingredients

1 ounce gin (Klemm uses Botanist gin)

1 ounce whiskey (Klemm uses Redbreast Irish whiskey)

3/4 ounces lemon juice

3/4 ounces demerara syrup

Citrus bitters (Klemm uses Hella)

Cubed ice, separated for shaking and stirring

1 ounce soda

1 ounce cassis (Klemm uses Lejay Crème de Cassis)

1/8 cup sugar

Rosemary sprig

In a shaker, add gin, whiskey, demerara syrup and a dash of bitters.

Add ice and shake 20 times.

Add soda.

Strain into ice-filled Collins glass.

Dip rosemary sprig in cassis and then sugar.

Float a spoon of cassis on the surface of the glass.

Garnish with sugar-coated rosemary sprig.

Enjoy the Rake, Shovel, Hoe at home, or have expert bartenders make it for you at St. Cloud Social, our rooftop bar with sweeping city views atop Times Square